Access to Higher Education (Sports Science)

Course Overview

If you’re looking to come to university but don’t quite have the right qualifications to study at degree level, our new Access to Higher Education Diploma in Sports Science could be the perfect step to get you where you need to be.

As one of the UK’s most successful educational institutions for sport, you’ll be learning from people who know exactly what it takes to manage the complex sporting infrastructure that operates behind the scenes to support elite athletes.

At Hartpury, our Access to Higher Education Diplomas give you the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to go on and study a degree in your chosen field. Our unique environment gives you access to our wide variety of facilities including performance and science laboratories, gyms, rehabilitation suites and sports pitches. You will also have full access to our 24-hour University Learning Centre.

This diploma programme is made up of individual units which will build your knowledge of coaching, human and sports science, the wider sports industry and study skills that will help you be successful in your degree studies. For students starting the course without a level 2 qualification (such as a GCSE) in English or Mathematics, there will also be the opportunity to study towards the necessary English and Maths qualifications.

The course runs from September to June. You will need to commit to 15 hours a week of contact time over a full academic year. In addition, you will need to invest a similar number of hours for your personal study. Teaching will take place on three days per week, with the teaching day usually starting at 10:30 and finishing usually at 16.30. Wednesdays are usually kept free to enable participation in competitive and recreational sports. Many of our students are involved with elite sports and equestrian programmes.

Entry Requirements

Access

Each application is evaluated on its own merits, with applicants being 19+ years old on the 1st September in the year they wish to study. English and maths skills should be at a GCSE grade D or above, or the applicant should be able to demonstrate a comparable level of skill achieved through their work experience. The learning on the course is supported by the use of online resources, so an average level of computer literacy is required.

Additional

All applicants will have the opportunity to discuss their personal situation and long term university goals with a member of the Diploma academic team.